Method and device for producing a three-dimensional object and exposure mask generating apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional object by layer by layer solidifying of a material which is solidifiable under the action of radiation, making use of exposure masks, wherein in order to form each object layer to be solidified of the object in a construction plane, there is generated at least one, preferably a single, digital exposure mask by means of which the radiation is selectively projected into the construction plane, wherein for each exposure mask, according to the object layer to be solidified, a single 2-bit bitmap is calculated which assigns either the bit-value “transparent” or the bit-value “non-transparent” to each pixel of the exposure mask. In addition, an improved exposure mask generating apparatus and an improved device for producing a three-dimensional object are proposed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of international application number PCT / EP2014 / 065232 filed on Jul. 16, 2014 and claims the benefit of German application number 10 2013 107 568.1 filed on Jul. 16, 2013, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to methods for producing three-dimensional objects generally, and more specifically to a method for producing a three-dimensional object by layer by layer solidifying of a material which is solidifiable under the action of radiation, making use of exposure masks, wherein in order to form each object layer to be solidified of the object in a construction plane, there is generated at least one, preferably a single, digital exposure mask by means of which the radiation is selectively projected into the construction plane.[0003]The present invention also relates to exposure mask generating apparatuses f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a device and method for producing three-dimensional objects using layer-by-layer solidification of a material that is solidifiable under the action of radiation using exposure masks. The device includes a laser or other radiation source and a control system to create and regulate the beam of radiation. The method involves creating a 3D model of the object and then using the device to solidify the material layer by layer, starting from the bottom and moving upwards. The resulting object is a solid, three-dimensional structure.

Problems solved by technology

A variety of problems to be solved arise in the production of three-dimensional objects by means of these methods and devices.

And finally, the so-called raw-body hardness is often not sufficient during the production of the three-dimensional object.

This is to be understood, in particular, to mean that with particularly delicate (supporting) structures, only inadequate hardening can occur during production of the object, so that these delicate structures often tear off.

It can also occur that with very delicate structures, the critical energy for hardening is not achieved and thus the delicate structures are not generated.

A disadvantage of grey value control is, in particular, that due to the destruction / reduction of radiation intensity, a longer exposure time is always required per exposure cycle of an object layer in order to achieve the required energy input per object layer.

This procedure also has the consequence of prolonging the exposure time.

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